Cisco DNA Center vs Forescout: What are the differences?

Introduction:

Key differences between Cisco DNA Center and Forescout are outlined below:

1. Integration with Network Infrastructure: Cisco DNA Center is specifically designed to interact with Cisco's networking products, offering seamless integration with Cisco infrastructure components. In contrast, Forescout provides network visibility and control across multi-vendor environments, making it more versatile in heterogeneous networking environments.

2. Focus on Network Automation: Cisco DNA Center places a strong emphasis on network automation capabilities, allowing for automated provisioning, troubleshooting, and policy enforcement within Cisco networks. Forescout, on the other hand, focuses more on endpoint visibility and security, providing detailed insights into connected devices to enhance network security.

3. Intent-Based Networking Capabilities: Cisco DNA Center is known for its intent-based networking capabilities, enabling administrators to define business policies and goals which the network can automatically adjust to meet. While Forescout provides visibility into endpoint behaviors, it does not offer the same level of intent-based networking features as Cisco DNA Center.

4. Security Posture Assessment: Forescout excels in providing detailed security posture assessments for connected devices, offering insights into vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and potential security risks. Although Cisco DNA Center also offers some security features, such as segmentation and policy enforcement, Forescout is more specialized in comprehensive security assessments.

5. Scalability and Flexibility: Both Cisco DNA Center and Forescout are scalable solutions, but Forescout is known for its flexibility in supporting a wide range of networking devices and endpoints from various vendors. This flexibility can be particularly advantageous in complex and diverse network environments where interoperability is essential.

6. Deployment and Licensing Models: Cisco DNA Center typically follows a subscription-based licensing model tied to Cisco hardware, while Forescout offers more flexibility in deployment options, including virtual appliances, cloud-based solutions, and perpetual licensing. This difference in licensing and deployment models can influence the cost and management aspects of each solution.

In Summary, the key differences between Cisco DNA Center and Forescout lie in their integration with network infrastructure, focus on network automation, intent-based networking capabilities, security posture assessment, scalability and flexibility, and deployment/licensing models.